A heavy wintry mix, 50 mph winds on the way

Wednesday

Feb 19, 2014 at 11:28 AMFeb 19, 2014 at 11:46 PM

Rockford Register Star

ROCKFORD - You name it. It's coming.

Snow and freezing rain between 3 and 6 a.m. this morning, followed by isolated thunderstorms, possible fog, and brief but heavy rains and possible flooding in the afternoon and sustained damaging winds gusting over 50 mph at night.

The National Weather Service is predicting a menagerie of weather precipitation as warmer weather moves into the area and temperatures rise to a daytime high of 47 degrees.

By late this afternoon, a strong cold front will sweep across the area and could bring with it an intense squall line, which carries a chance for lightning, brief heavy rain and damaging winds. There's also a chance for small hail.

With the rain in the forecast and melting snow, the National Weather Service also is warning residents about localized flooding in the region. Runoff from the rain and snow melt could lead to flooding along river areas, and there's an increased risk for ice jam flooding through the weekend.

Crews with Rockford's public works department began clearing storm drains Wednesday in anticipation of the rain. The city is asking residents who have storm drains adjacent to their properties to clear them as best as possible.